Good turnout for East Ross District Partnership networking event

Over 50 organisations crowded into the main hall in Invergordon Academy to attend the East Ross District Partnership networking event on Friday (5 December).

Attendees included the majority of third sector organisations working in health and social care, employability and with young people in Easter Ross, including St Ninians Friendshio Group; Birchwood (Alness); Seaboard Cares; CCAST (Tain); The Place (Alness); Joss Street Yoiuth club; Promotion Fitness; North Highland College (Alness). The aims of the event were to help people understand the role and remit of the District Partnership, to get organisations to network and share good practice and and to give the third sector an opportunity to meet the East Ross District Partnership and discuss the issues they, and their service users, face.

Alison Drew the Head Teacher of Invergordon Academy who hosted the event said: “It was fantastic to invite all these organisations into the school. There was a real buzz about the place and we were delighted to be able to get some of our pupils involved in setting up and attending.”

The feedback gathered at the end found that those attending found the networking very useful and that it was good to meet the District Partners. It also contained a number of issues that the District Partnership will be taking forward in 2015.

Alasdair Lawton, Chair of The East Ross District Partnership said: “I am impressed by the number and range of organisations who came today. It was good to talk to them and listen to their ambition and enthusiasm, as well as their concerns. It is important that the District Partnership values and works with the third sector and community based partners. There were some challenges laid out for us today and I will be seeking commitments and action from the District Partnership in 2015.”